Sarah, Duchess of York and Prince Andrew's best royal wedding photos

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January 24, 2018

Despite their divorce in 1996, Prince Andrew and Sarah, Duchess of York continue to be an iconic royal pair thanks to their famously cordial relationship and close co-parenting of their daughters, Princess Beatrice, born in 1988, and Princess Eugenie, who arrived in 1990. The couple have had a lifelong friendship, as Sarah, born to aristocratic ancestry as the daughter of Major Ronald Ferguson and his first wife Susan Barrantes, first met Prince Andrew when they were childhood playmates. In 1985, however, the two became reacquainted at a Royal Ascot party, leading the onetime pals to fall in love.

Scroll through to see the best photos of Andrew and Sarah's engagement and royal wedding day....

Prince Andrew popped the question with a Burmese ruby ring from Garrard, the choice of gem inspired by the future bride's red hair. The couple announced their engagement in March 1986, posing for this photo on the grounds of Buckingham Palace.

Five years after Andrew's brother Prince Charles married Princess Diana, flag-waving crowds once again flooded the streets of London as Sarah and Andrew married in spectacular style at Westminster Abbey on July 23, 1986.

For her big day, Sarah wore an embroidered ivory silk gown by British couturier Lindka Cierach. The bride's 17ft train was emblazoned with the letter 'A', as well as her personal coat of arms. Sarah carried a cascading bouquet of gardenias, cream lilies, yellow roses, lilies of the valley and a sprig of myrtle, which is a traditional detail in British royal wedding bouquets.

The bride arrived at Westminster Abbey in the royal 19th century Glass Coach, accompanied by her father, seen here, who walked her down the aisle. Sarah marched to the altar wearing a floral crown that, at the end of the ceremony, was removed to reveal her diamond wedding tiara, borrowed from mother-in-law Queen Elizabeth II.

The wedding attendants – page boys in sailor suits and flat brimmed hats, and flower girls in peach lace dresses with blossoms in their hair – included adorable Prince William, far right, who had just turned four in June.

Throngs of well-wishers lined the streets as Sarah and Andrew made their way to the Palace in the royal procession. A crowd of 100,000 would gather to see the couple's first public kiss as husband and wife on the Palace balcony.

We can't hear you! Once on the balcony, the famously playful couple teased the cheering crowds who couldn't wait to see the traditional kiss.

At last! The Duke and Duchess of York shared a sweet kiss on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. Joining the newlyweds on the balcony were Sarah's mother, Susan Barrantes, far left in yellow; best man Prince Edward, right rear; and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. In the front row, the young wedding attendants included Peter Phillips, far left, and Zara Phillips (now Tindall), centre.

The royal family and household staff gathered to bid farewell to the Duke and Duchess of York as they headed off on their honeymoon. Queen Elizabeth II has her arm around grandson Prince William, centre, while on the left is Queen Elizabeth's sister Princess Margaret.